Conductor

Job Description

Mendocino Railway is the owner/operator of passenger and freight railroads including the California Western Railroad (CWR) / Skunk Trainand the River Fox Train. The world-famous Skunk Train is a standard gauge passenger railroad that was founded in 1885, and operates 40 miles between Fort Bragg and Willits, in Mendocino County, California.

The Skunk Trainis looking for train Conductors to join our team. As the Conductor, you’re responsible for the safe, efficient, and professional operation of a train. This is a hands-on and often guest-facing position requiring strong situational awareness, sound judgement, teamwork, and adherence to Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) regulations, other applicable laws, operating rules, and company safety standards.

The Train Conductor is essential to delivering a safe, professional, welcoming passenger rail experience. This position is intended for candidates who already hold current FRA Conductor certification and are interested in continuing or advancing their career in passenger railroad operations. There is an opportunity to train in freight operations.

This is a full-time position and includes working evenings, weekends, and holidays.

Train Operations & Safety

• Currently licensed Conductors safely operating trains in accordance with applicable certification, FRA regulations, company operating rules, timetable instructions, and established safety procedures.
• Work closely with, take instruction and direction from senior crew members, dispatchers, and the management team to ensure the safe movement of passengers and trains.
• Maintain continuous awareness and familiarity of train location, speed, operating conditions, operating practices, signals, track conditions, other equipment, passengers, crew members, and other potential obstructions and or hazards, and all safety procedures.
• Observe and appropriately respond to signals, signs, operating instructions, speed restrictions, and changing conditions.
• Immediately report unsafe conditions, equipment concerns, operating irregularities, incidents, injuries, or other safety concerns in accordance with company procedures.
• Maintain all required FRA certifications and qualifications applicable to Conductors and Engineers including recurrent training, testing, certification, and qualification activities.

Switching, Equipment & Inspections

• Perform switching of passenger and freight cars as required.
• Complete required air brake tests, inspections, and other pre-departure and operational safety checks in accordance with FRA regulations and company rules.
• Verify that required inspections, tests, and safety procedures have been completed before train movement or passenger service and report any defects or mechanical concerns.
• Couple and uncouple rail equipment and assist with the movement and positioning of locomotives and railcars.
• Coordinate with maintenance, mechanical, and operations personnel when equipment issues require additional attention; assist with troubleshooting and maintenance within training and qualifications.

Passenger, Communication, and Experience

• Interact in a professional and friendly manner with passengers/guests including, but not limited to, collecting tickets, assisting with passenger boarding and unloading to ensure all enter and exit trains safely, providing clear information for a welcoming onboard experience, and interacting with guests aboard train when not directly involved in safety related tasks.
• Monitor passenger activity and respond appropriately to situations that could affect guest or crew safety.
• Maintain clear and timely communication regarding train movements, passenger conditions, equipment issues,…